The Game Begins: Big Moments from Survivor 48’s Premiere

By: Faith Swindler'26

Photo courtesy of CBS

Survivor, a reality television competition with the motto, “Outwit, Outplay, Outlast”, has worldwide recognition. While there are several versions of the show throughout many countries, the famous game hosted by Jeff Probst first debuted in America in 2000. With two seasons per year, the show gives people from all backgrounds an opportunity to compete for a cash prize. Contestants in Survivor begin the game by being separated into several different tribes. They are tasked with competing against the other tribes in various competitions to avoid going to tribal council. This team play lasts until the “merge” where the tribe members transition to solo players, striving to secure their spot at the final tribal council and make their case to the jury of their former competitors. In the physical, mental, and social game, contestants must create alliances, win and find immunity idols, plot blindsides, and cast votes until one individual is named the Sole Survivor. 

The forty-eighth season of Survivor premiered on February 26th, 2025, with eighteen new players hitting the beaches of Fiji. They were divided into three tribes, Lagi, Civa, and Vula, each comprising six unique contestants. To start the new season, Probst promotes camaraderie by inquiring about various competitors’ “Survivor stories.” Individuals like Kevin Leung, Mitch Guerra, and Chrissy Sarnowsky, shared their inspirations. For Kevin and Chrissy, their love of the game began within the confines of their homes. After watching the show for years with family and friends and applying for season after season, they were finally given the chance to compete. Similarly, Mitch, a player with a speech impediment, was inspired by former deaf contestant, Christy Smith, to not let his struggles prevent him from applying for the competition. Survivor stands apart from other reality television due to its loyal fan following, which motivates new generations of contestants. For many, the show offers more than a chance to win one million dollars, but an opportunity to test limits, strengthen characters, and fulfill lifelong dreams.

Within the first episode, the Lagi tribe dominated the first two challenges, winning their pot, machete, flint, and ultimately first immunity. They appear as a strong tribe with the ability to work together well. The most notable alliance within Lagi is between Eva Erickson, a 24-year old PhD candidate, and Joe Hunter, a 45-year old Fire Captain. Bonded through their shared values of loyalty and honesty, they make for an impressive social and strategic pair. In most seasons, there are moments where the game pales in comparison to genuine human connection. Eva and Joe experience this early on as the student trusts her ally enough to share her autism diagnosis with him. This moment shows Joe’s empathy and enhances their budding relationship. Another alliance to look out for is the all-male “California Girl” trio composed of Joe Hunter, Thomas Krottinger, and Shauhin Davari. Despite their different races, ethnicities, and sexual orientations, these men bond over being California natives. Overall, the Lagi tribe is off to a successful start!

Photo courtesy of Robert Voets/CBS

Despite losing the first competition, the Civa tribe secures second in the immunity challenge and is saved from tribal council. When they are not competing, the competitors are seen investing time in their social games. As a result, the tribe spends most of the episode getting to know one another around camp. In a conversation between Charity Nelms and Kamilla Karthigesu, another competitor’s name is dropped. As this information is spread around the camp, an interesting dynamic surfaces. Audience members will likely see this issue unravel further once the tribe loses an immunity challenge. For now, whether Charity knows it or not, she is on the chopping block.

Photo courtesy of Robert Voets/CBS

Tribe Vula attended tribal council this week after losing both competitions. Tasked with choosing a fellow member to vote out, a clash between Stephanie Berger and Sai Hughley occurs. With Justin Pioppi and Kevin Leung in the middle of two alliances, they cast the deciding vote for Stephanie. Despite playing her shot in the dark, which is the choice to forfeit one’s vote for a chance at immunity, she becomes the first competitor to leave Fiji. Kevin, Justin, Sai, and Cedrek McFadden stick to their four-person majority, taking control of the Vula camp. After injuring his shoulder in the first challenge, Kevin reclaims a stable spot in the tribe after he secures the pot, machete, and flint in the redemption competition. Kevin competes against Civa tribe member, Kyle, to collect all three necessary materials. After Kyle makes a mistake that knocks him out of the competition, he helps Kevin secure the win – another moment where genuine character supersedes gameplay. This puts him in a great position within the tribe and offers him the potential for a strong game moving forward! 

While the premiere was a great start to Survivor 48, there is still a lot of game to be played. With alliances, conflicts, and idols now in play, the competitors will have to overcome challenges inside and outside of camp. Although there were many standouts in the first episode, one thing is certain, in Survivor anything can happen.

Photo courtesy of Robert Voets/CBS